The 10 Best Hotels Near Beachy Head, Eastbourne © 2017 TripAdvisor LLC All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use , Privacy Policy , and Cookie Policy . * TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more) TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content. PriceFinder is your ultimate hotel booking tool, checking hundreds of sites to help you find the lowest prices. Welcome back! Prices may have changed while you were gone. Please refresh the page to see the latest prices in Eastbourne. Refresh Prices TripAdvisor uses cookies to improve your site experience. Learn more or change your settings. By continuing, you consent to our cookies.

CoastView - Beach Head On This Day in 29 October 1929: The purchase of Beachy Head The Times, 29 October 1997 "The Corporation of Eastbourne now owns the whole of Beachy Head and 4,000 acres westwards and northwards..." and those who now walk over this splendid stretch of country can reflect that in buying it for Pounds 100,000 the corporation got a good bargain. THE PURCHASE OF BEACHY HEAD (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT) EASTBOURNE, Oct 29. The Duke and Duchess of York took part to-day in the celebrations of the purchase by Eastbourne of Beachy Head and of many acres of down and farm land stretching away almost to Birling Gap, which are now saved for ever from building or other exploitation. The whole town and great crowds from many parts of Sussex assembled for the day's rejoicings. The town was beflagged wherever the Royal visitors went during their long day, and their passage through the streets was marked by the greatest enthusiasm.

The preservation of these Downs has cost the town nearly Pounds 100,000, and Eastbourne is duly proud of having led the way in this movement for securing amenities by municipal effort. To-day has been the culmination of a campaign begun nearly five years ago, and its justification is to be seen all along the Eastbourne side of Beachy Head, where already a fringe of houses had begun to invade the Downs themselves. The Corporation now owns the whole of Beachy Head and 4,000 acres northwards and westwards of it, comprising chiefly downland, but also a farm, a golf course, and the old Belle Tout Lighthouse, which can be seen from Beachy Head and is the residence of Sir James Purves Stewart. The Duke and Duchess of York saw the wild beauty of these rolling acres in typical conditions. A strong west wind had prevented the corporation from erecting a marquee for the commemorative ceremony, which consequently took place in rather rough weather. There were storm clouds on the horizon, but the long views were fairly clear. Eastbourne looked a beautiful, model town below, and to the east and west were the green waters, ruffled into white caps by the wind.

Boisterous though the weather was, the Duke and Duchess appeared to enjoy the splendid views and invigorating air. They had made their long tours of the streets and front in an open car and on the way back to the town the Duke had to use his umbrella for the protection of the Duchess against a sharp squall of rain, but this proved to be the only interruption in the whole pleasant, sunny day. The commemorative act which they performed on Beachy Head was the unveiling of two tablets fixed on either side of a handsome seat done in Portland stone. The seat has benches facing east and west, giving views over the town and the sea in the one direction and across the Downs and the old lighthouse to the sea in the other. Both tablets bear the identical inscription: "Erected to commemorate the purchase by Eastbourne Corporation of the Downs from Beachy Head to Folkington for the preservation of the amenities of Eastbourne," and they record that the one was unveiled by the Duchess and the other by the Duke of York. The greater part of the Duke and Duchess's day was spent in the thoroughfares and the streets had been prepared in lavish fashion for their reception. Red bunting and flags were hung thickly in the main streets.

Thousands of tons fall off Beachy Head The Argus 11-01-1999 SAFETY experts were today monitoring the cliffs at Beachy Head after one of the biggest rockfalls in living memory. Thousands of tons of chalk fell 500ft onto the beach at the weekend and formed a mountain of rubble the size of four detached homes. The pile has blocked the sea channel between the world-famous Beachy Head lighthouse and the beach. Eastbourne lifeboatmen estimated that 50ft of the cliff face fell away along a 150-200 yard stretch. Now pleasure steamers which used to take sightseers between the lighthouse and the cliff during the summer have little chance of navigating what is left of the channel. Lifeboatman Keith Murphy said: "It is a very big cliff fall, the biggest one I've seen in 14 years." A spokesman for Dover Coastguard said it could have been caused by water getting into the chalk and freezing overnight, expanding joints in the rock and causing the cliff to crumble. He said: "From what I hear it is a major change to the coastline." "I would advise people to stay away from the edge.

"It only takes one slip and you don't get a second chance. "Walking along cliff edges is a dangerous occupation at the best of times." Mark Roberts, who lives at the nearby Belle Tout Lighthouse - itself in danger of falling into the sea - said the rockfall was "absolutely huge". He added: "It has connected the lighthouse back with the land." The clifftop Belle Tout lighthouse is due to be moved 50ft inland, probably on March 12, after a cliff collapse in November left it standing just l2ft from the abyss. "After seeing the latest slip at Beachy Head, Mark said: "I have asked the workmen to go just that little bit faster." Images taken by D.R. Robinson in 1999 In July 2002 the cliff fall debris is still in place and only along the western side (right hand side of the image) changes can be seen where material has been removed and replaced by shingle.

Beachy Head cliff crashes into the sea The Times, 12 January 1999 by Helen Johnstone ,SAFETY experts were examining the coastal beauty spot at Beachy Head yesterday after a vast section of rockface crashed into the sea. The unmanned Beachy Head lighthouse was effectively rejoined to the Sussex coast by thousands of tonnes of chalk fell which 500ft into the sea at the weekend, filling in a popular 100-yard sea channel used extensively by tourists. Experts believe the collapse - probably the biggest single loss of coastline in living memory - to have been caused by water entering the chalk rock and expanding on freezing, forcing the cliff to crumble. Officials are constantly warning people to stand back from the edge of Beachy Head, which has the dubious distinction of being one of the world's most popular suicide spots, but yesterday coastguards were re-emphasising the dangers as council experts sought to establish how stable the remaining cliff face was. "It's a major change to the coastline," said one.

"It only takes one slip and you don't get a second chance." The landslide was spotted more than three miles out to sea by lifeboat crew members from Eastbourne who estimate that a 50ft deep slab of cliff face fell away along a 200-yard stretch. Eddie Buckland, a lifeboatman, said: "It's colossal. It's fallen down right out to the lighthouse and up to near the top of the stairs. The last big fall was about 15 to 20 years ago at the nudist beach about 600 yards east. But that's tiny compared to this one. It's got to go out over 100 yards." Mark Sawyer, 36, a fellow crewman, said: "I have never seen anything like this before, none of us have. We were three and a half miles out to sea when we saw it and we could see it clearly." He added: "It really is massive.

I've been with the lifeboat crew for eight years and I've been fishing there since I was eight years old and I've never seen a fall of that size." The Environment Agency, which is not responsible for cliffs but is responsible for beaches, was keeping a close eye on Beachy Head after confirming the enormity of the collapse. Ray Kemp, for the agency, said it was the largest by far in the area and probably the largest yet in Britain. "Hundreds upon thousands of tonnes have gone. Chunks have been falling off Beachy Head for ages but never anything like the size of this." He said wave height in the Atlantic had increased by 10 per cent in the past decade and the sea was hitting the coastline harder. "One minute we are in a drought situation and then the chalk is sodden. In eight months out of twelve have had above average rainfall. The coastline is increasingly vulnerable as climate change starts to bite. What is happening is symptomatic of a whole range of circumstances. In my grandmother's time you could walk around Beachy Head, but that is impossible now." The latest collapse provides fresh evidence of how many coastal landmarks and properties around Britain are under threat from coastal erosion.

In 1994 Holbeck Hall Hotel in Scarborough fell into the North Sea, and ten villages along a 40-mile stretch of Humberside may have to be abandoned as the North Sea eats up the coastline at a rate of 11 yards a year. Coastal erosion is also becoming a serious problem in eastern and southern England, with sea levels expected to rise by up to 20 inches over the next 50 years, while stormy seas have ravaged chalk cliffs along the South Downs coastline, leaving several homes perilously close to tumbling into the sea. The erosion has accelerated work to save the neighbouring Belle Toute , Britain's only permanently inhabited former lighthouse. It was once 100ft from the cliff edge, but is now just 12ft away.

It is due to be lifted on to rails that will push it back back 50ft and its owner said yesterday: "I have asked the workmen to go just that little bit faster." Defences to protect famous coastline would mean THE WHITE CLIFFS ARE OVER The Argus 13-01-1999 by TIM BOWDEN DEFENCES to protect erosion-hit Beachy Head would rob the landmark of its distinctive features - by turning the cliffs green. As the Argus revealed on Monday, thousands of tonnes of chalk fell 500ft on to the beach over the weekend. The fall, one of the biggest losses of British coastline in living memory, spills out 200ft into the sea and is the size of four detached houses. Homes in nearby Birling Gap are already threatened by erosion and residents want defences to protect them from further damage. But efforts to stop further falls would change the area's famous white cliffs forever. A spokesman for the Environment Agency said any action would be based on a detailed cost-benefit analysis, taking into account homes and businesses affected by erosion. But he added: "Beachy Head is white because it erodes and exposes fresh chalk.

"If defences were put in you would have a similar situation to Dover, where works for the Channel Tunnel mean the cliffs are now going green with vegetation." The rock fall, which has radically linked up Beachy Head lighthouse with the mainland, could become a permanent feature as Eastbourne Borough Council said it had no plans to remove the rubble. Environment Agency flood defence team leader Rupert Clubb said any decision to install sea defences would be made by the local council. Plans would have to meet economic, technical and environmental criteria laid down by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Mr Clubb said: "We are working with local authorities to develop strategies for the whole Sussex coastline. "We are just starting a study of the area including Beachy Head. The aim is to develop a solution which will promote the natural environment. "Seeing man-made structures there might put people off visiting Beachy Head. Ultimately the decision lies with the local authority and the Ministry." Eastbourne council has not taken a decision on installing sea defences and is taking part in the joint initiative to decide a course of action.

Head's in t-rubble The Eastbourne Herald, 15-01-1999 by Laura Sonier A MASSIVE rock fall at Beachy Head on Sunday caused thousands of tonnes of chalk to crash down on the beach. The rock fell 500ft onto the shingle below creating a pile the size of four large detached houses - and Dover coastguards have advised walkers to stay away from the edge. The chalk has almost filled in the channel between the beach and the town's famous Beachy Head lighthouse, narrowing the distance from 300ft to only 100ft. The huge fall raises fears for the Belle Tout lighthouse which is currently being moved away from the perilous cliff edge. Eastbourne lifeboat crews - who have seen the chalk close-up - estimate as much as 50ft of rock fell a way over 150-200 yards. And it is believed the fall was caused by water seeping into the cliff, freezing and expanding - then shattering the rock. Eastbourne Borough Council officers were on the scene just minutes after the fall to inspect the cliff.

'The chalk fall took place in an area that was previously fenced off,' explained an Eastbourne Borough Council spokeswoman. 'There are still 20 metres of cliff between the fence and the cliff edge. 'We were notified on Sunday at 11.30am and were on the site at 11.45am.' The spokeswoman agreed a massive fall had occurred and added that falls happen 'all the time' at cliffs around the country. 'This is a natural process exacerbated by the recent rainy spell followed by a frost,' she explained. 'Cliff erosion happens all along the British coastline and it is beyond our control.' Rock fall will turn sea white The Argus, 17-01-1999 by JUSTIN PARKINSON EXPERTS are warning that the sea off Eastbourne could turn white this summer following the biggest rockfall in living memory. Last Monday, the Argus exclusively revealed how thousands of tons of chalk had collapsed on to the beach at Beachy Head, almost joining the world-famous lighthouse to the land. Now the Environment Agency has warned that the sea will break down the chalk, which could form a huge white streak through the English Channel.

It is feared some of the cloudy water will colour Eastbourne's bathing beaches if storms hit the area. A spokesman for Dover coastguard said: "We normally get only a couple of tons at a time falling into the sea. Even that turns the sea visibly white for a while. "A fall of this size could mean milky coloured water hanging around for a couple of weeks. "It could be very noticeable in Eastbourne." Environment Agency spokesman Anthony Field said: "It wouldn't happen overnight. But it will break down because chalk is one of the softer rocks. "If we have rough seas this will accentuate the process. "There will be more chalk in the sea because of the breakdown. Some of it will dissolve chemically but much more will be broken down by bad weather. "It will travel from west to east with the prevailing tides." Eastbourne Council's head of leisure, Diane Bagley, said: "We think the effect on local people will be negligible." On Thursday the Argus reported how the famous cliffs at Beachy Head could turn green if proposed sea defences reduce the exposure of the chalk to the effects of the sea. Experts said the cliffs would become more stable, allowing vegetation to grow. What a cliffhanger!

Erosion is changing our coastline but should we worry about it ? The Guardian 19-01-1999 by Emily Moore Earlier this month a large section of Beachy Head, a cliff on the south coast of England, collapsed into the sea. Some experts fear that other parts of the English coastline will soon be taking a tumble. But others say changes in our coastline are natural and not a cause for concern. How serious was the collapse at Beachy Head? It was the largest single loss of coastline in living memory. A 15m x 60m section of the chalk cliff crashed into the sea -that is hundreds of thousands of tonnes of chalk. What caused the collapse? Experts think the weather played the most important part, but rough seas, rising sea levels, and the fact that Britain is naturally tilting were also important. The south of England had been very dry for 30 months until last year, when eight out of the 12 months had above-average rainfall. This meant the chalk cliffs of Beachy Head first dried out and became brittle, and then, when the rainy period started, became water-logged and soggy. Cold weather at the beginning of January meant the water in the rock froze.

When water freezes it expands, and this forced the cliff to crumble. Waves also played a large part in eroding the cliff. Erosion (from the Latin erosio, which means "gnaw") is when rocks are slowly worn away by the action of water, ice and wind. It is usually a slow process, but over the past few weeks the waves have been rough and strong on the south coast. Sea levels seem to be rising. Over the next 50 years sea levels are expected to rise over 20cm. The countries of the world are constantly (very, very slowly!) on the move. Britain is tilting, with Scotland rising and the south of England sinking. Is there a reason for this weather and the rise in sealevel? Yes. Many experts believe both have been caused by global warming, known as the Greenhouse Effect. This is caused by gases released into the atmosphere, mostly by burning fossil fuels and cutting down trees. The planet does seem to be warming up and weather patterns changing. As a result, glaciers are starting to melt, causing sea levels to rise. Are other parts of the coastline at risk of collapse? Yes. The most vulnerable are stretches of the east and south coast.

Holderness in Yorkshire, Lyme Regis in Dorset and part of the cliffs on the Isle of Wight are among those at greatest risk. How can the coastline be protected? The most common ways are to erect shingle embankments, or wooden or rock beach defences called grovnes, which soften the impact of waves. But some people want to take tougher measures and build concrete structures to protect the coast. Does everyone agree? No. Other experts are keen to point out that coastal erosion is a natural process and has always happened - it has helped to shape the coastline we love. The reason the famous White Cliffs of Dover are so white and bright is because they are pounded by the sea. If they were protected they would be covered by vegetation and become the Green Cliffs of Dover instead! For millions of years we have been losing cliffs - but at the same time gaining new beaches. Areas of our coastline most vulnerable to wave and weather erosion are also often the perfect places for fossil hunting, because the waves keep washing away the rock. Last summer on the Isle of Wight, 12-year-old Paul Mike found a fossil of a 40 million-year-old crocodile (called a diplocynodon) - the oldest found in Britain.

The wave action had washed away layers that had taken millions of years to build up over the dead crocodile's fossilised skeleton. If you take a walk along the coast at Lyme Regis you may find fossilised ammonites - these are ancient shellfish related to the squid. Without coastal erosion these fossils would still be buried in the rock. The Independent 04-05-2001 by MICHAEL MCCARTHY A COASTAL landmark has disappeared in a spectacular rock fall, shrinking southern England's most famous cliffs for the second time in little more than two years. An outcrop of the cliffs at Beachy Head, near Eastbourne in Sussex, fell into the sea on Tuesday. The 200ft-high chalk tower, known locally as the Devil's Chimney sent thousands of tons of rubble crashing on to the rocks below when it suddenly disintegrated. No one was hurt in the fall.

An even larger section of the cliffs nearby, 200 yards long, crashed down the full 500ft to the sea without warning in January 1999, in an incident that was blamed on global warming by the Environment Agency- an increase in stormy weather caused by climate change was the probable cause, the agency saki That was probably the biggest cliff fall in Britain for many years. This week's collapse is being blamed more directly on the winter's unprecedented rain, which has seeped into cracks in the chalk and then frozen in cold weather, causing it to crack. It is one of a series, and appears to be remarkably similar to the collapse in January this year of a 100,000-ton chalk section of the White Cliffs of Dover, as a big as a football pitch, which fell 300 feet to the sea at a point between Dover and St Margaret's Bay Beachy Head, west of Eastbourne, where the South Downs come down to the sea, is a popular beauty spot normally visited by more than a million people a year- and also frequently used for suicides. There has not been a severe erosion problem with the cliffs until recent years.

Eastbourne council urged people to stay away from them yesterday because of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The South Downs are closed to the public as a precaution against the disease spreading to the area's wildlife. Walkers were also advised not to try to get into the area along the beach, an arduous three-hour hike from Eastbourne across large rocks. "Natural phenomena like this do fall down over time due to weathering and erosion," said Graham Marsden, the leader of Eastbourne council. "But it is a sad day when nature claims back part of a beauty spot. This is a reminder of the natural instability of cliffs and the importance of staying away from directly beneath the cliff edge." The Devil's Chimney stood 30ft from the cliff edge. Members of the public had reported seeing big cracks appear in recent days. The collapse brought out some unconventional responses. A local "white witch" planned a "cleansing ceremony" near the cliffs yesterday after news that the late occultist Aleister Crowley, famed for practising black magic in the Twenties, had climbed the chalk tower in 1894. It is claimed he predicted an evil spell would fall on the people of Eastbourne if the tower ever collapsed.

Now, Kevin Carlyon, who says he is a High Priest in the Coven of White Witches, is to conduct a ceremony to "dispel any evil. "It seems Beachy Head has not had much luck over the centuries." he said. "It is written that a monk was thrown from the top in AD520 and, of course, many people commit suicide there each year. "It also has this association with Aleister Crowley so I shall carry out a cleansing ceremony in case." The following external link will get you to the Beach Head rock fall pages of the British Geological Survey including a critical appraisal of the causes, photos and a geological sketch map of Beachy Head. Entertainments & Events Downland Map Beachy Head Beachy Head is the most famous part of the Eastbourne Downland. Beachy Head rises 162 metres (530 feet) above the sea below and is the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. The main reason for Beachy Head's popularity is the wonderful panoramic view which can be seen from the cliff top.

If you look east you see the beaches and town of Eastbourne, the Pier and the Harbour, and then on to Pevensey Bay and Hastings and, on an exceptionally clear day, Dungeness in Kent, nearly 40 miles away. Looking west, you can see even further, up to 70 miles, past Seaford Head to Newhaven and Brighton and then on to Selsey Bill near Chichester in West Sussex. On a very clear day the outline of the Isle of Wight can be seen. Getting There - Beachy Head is easily reached by car. From Eastbourne take Duke's Drive from the seafront (be careful of the steeply winding road), Meads Road from Meads and East Dean Road from Old Town. From the west follow the signs on the A259. Parking is free in the lay-bys near Beachy Head and there is a large pay and display public car park. Please park in the Beachy Head Pub car park only if you intend to patronise the pub. Eastbourne Buses run a service along the seafront from the Sovereign Centre to Beachy Head.

Facilities - There are public toilets adjoining the car park at Beachy Head, including disabled toilets (access with radar key). Beachy Head Pub is open all day, 7 days a week and serves good quality food. Children and disabled welcome, indoor and outdoor play equipment, toilet and baby changing facilities. Tel: 01323 728060. 10 Best Cheap Hotels Near Beachy Head - Hotels.com Excellent 4.3 / 5 ( 53 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 81 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Two night stay at a good price. This hotel is work in progress, but the quality of the final finish will be very good. The hotel is in two parts, with the 1st half nearing completion at time of stay, November 2016.

Being one of the first in, everything was new, including appliances, which are not..." M, Dec 2016, GB The Big Sleep Hotel Eastbourne by Compass Hospitality Good 3.8 / 5 ( 162 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 45 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Just returned from a 15 night stay. I would say that this hotel is good value for money. You feel very safe, easy to get to things in the town, also very clean and affordable." A Traveller, Dec 2016, CA da Vinci Hotel Good 3.9 / 5 ( 139 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 13 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "I stayed here on my own for one night, my husband was to be joining me the next, when unfortunately they were fully booked (I can see why) so we had to stay at another hotel round the corner. I wish we could have stayed here. The hotel was very good value.

The bedroom dining room and reception ar..." A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB The Mowbray Excellent 4.4 / 5 ( 42 genuine reviews ) Top-rated for breakfast Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 12 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Everything about this guest house is good, location ,staff ,rooms, beds,brilliant breakfasts, Parking permits for outside property,near local theatres, short walk to beach" A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB The Berkeley Excellent 4.4 / 5 ( 54 genuine reviews ) Top-rated for families Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*!

10 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Stayed for one night as i am a courier driver and had a drop in hastings the following morning,just managed to arrive on time as check in finished at 7.30pm.Room was very clean and dining room was top class,would stay here again - highly recommended." A Traveller, May 2016, GB West Rocks Hotel No Guest Reviews yetHotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 8 people looked at this hotel in the last hour The Devonshire Park Hotel No Guest Reviews yetHotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 7 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Parkview Hotel Good 3.7 / 5 ( 49 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 6 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Great location, ideal for theatre or tennis in summer. Quiet building had a perfect nights sleep.

Friendly host." A Traveller, Nov 2016, GB The Manse - B&B Outstanding 5.0 / 5 ( 2 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 6 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "this b/b is 5+ if possiable would give 6+ perfect" A Traveller, Sep 2016, GB So Eastbourne Hotel Good 3.3 / 5 ( 26 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 6 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "We had a very happy experience, the hotel is still going through a refurbishment. Staff were excellent, nothing was too much trouble." A Traveller, Oct 2016, GB The Oban Hotel Good 3.7 / 5 ( 45 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 5 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "Enjoy our stay. It was nice and relaxing exactly what my fiancé and I was looking for.

Would be nice if breakfast was until 10am. We both enjoyed watching Glastonbury on the big screen in the park across from the hotel nice and local. would definitely stay at the Oban Hotel again. hopefully ..." A Traveller, Jun 2016, GB Ravilious Outstanding 4.7 / 5 ( 23 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*! 5 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review "good quality friendly service. We were on a one night stop over but could easily stay there longer. Our original room was double booked somehow ! . We were advised before our stay and offered another room which although not probably as good as the room we originally booked it was still of a good ..." A Traveller, Sep 2016, GB Brayscroft House Excellent 4.4 / 5 ( 5 genuine reviews ) Hotels.com™ RewardsFor every 10 nights, get 1 free*!

4 people looked at this hotel in the last hour Most recent review Eastbourne travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] Eastbourne Eastbourne is a popular and traditional sea-side resort on the south coast of England, about 110 km from London and has a population of just under 100,000, making it the second largest town in Sussex. It lies at the eastern end of the South Downs range of chalk cliffs and hills: its most famous topographical feature is Beachy Head, the highest chalk cliff in Southern England. To the east it is bordered by the low-lying flood plains of the Pevensey Levels and beyond. It has one of the highest recorded days of sunshine per year in Britain . Part of the town's charm is its largely undeveloped seafront, devoid of the amusements and loud activity associated with Brighton, its bigger and brasher western cousin. Eastbourne's front remains composed mainly of Victorian hotels, as much of Eastbourne has traditionally belonged to the Duke of Devonshire, who retains the rights to these buildings and refuses to allow them to be converted into shops. Eastbourne has a reputation as a retirement town, and is also very popular with elderly day trippers on coach outings.

The local council,however, perhaps aware of this dated image, have in recent years tried to persuade potential visitors to "take another view", with some success. Plans are afoot to regenerate the town centre, improving shopping facilities and access. The lovely 1935 bandstand remains, and traditional seafront concerts still take place every day in the holiday season for those content to listen and laze in a deckchair. The relative peace is only shattered in mid August by the biggest event of the year for the town, "Airbourne". This justifably and proudly claims to be the South Coast's biggest free air display, and takes place over the sea attracting visitors of all ages during its four days. Many come just to see the world famous RAF Red Arrows who are regular visitors, but there are many other attractions at ground level too. By car[ edit ] The main roads into Eastbourne are the A27, which runs west to Brighton , and the A259, which heads east to Hastings . The A22 (joining the A27) goes north towards London . By train[ edit ] Southern Railway is the principal train company serving Eastbourne.

It is linked by train to the west with Brighton, and to the east with Bexhill , Hastings and Ashford International (for Eurostar services to France and Belgium). There is direct line to London with trains running twice-hourly, journey time around 1 hour 25 minutes. Fare and timetable information is available from [2] , or National Rail Enquiries- tel. 08457 484950 (local rate call, UK only number) By bus[ edit ] Services within Eastbourne borough are mainly operated by Stagecoach Buses Ltd, which is the successor of the company to the world's first municipal bus operator. Stagecoach Buses also operate country services to Tunbridge Wells, Heathfield, Uckfield, Willingdon, Polegate, Pevensey Bay, Hailsham, Bexhill and Hastings. Hailsham, Pevensey Bay, Polegate, Willingdon and Hailsham are included in the local Eastbourne fare zonal system.

Within the fare zone system there is an unlimited day rover ticket for £3.00, while single fares can be £1.90 as far as Polegate, rising to a higher price if continuing to Hailsham. A weekly ticket is available from the driver for £11.50 to cover this zone. Town services are covered by services 1, 1A, 2, 3, 5, 5A and the LOOP, while out of town services are covered by services 1X, 51 (251), 52 (252), 54, 98 and 99 (as at 28 November 2010).

To Hailsham: 1X, 51, 52, 54, 98; To Bexhill and Hastings: 98, 99; To Heathfield: 51 and 52; To Tunbridge Wells: 251 and 252 (same buses as for Heathfield, which are then prefixed with a 2 from Heathfield); To Pevensey Bay: 99 Brighton is served by Brighton and Hove Buses on services 12 and 12X. Brighton and Hove offer an excellent value all-day ticket for just £5.00 from the driver, or £3.50 if purchased in advance on the Internet, which includes the return journey between the two towns and unlimited travel in Brighton and Hove. Those travellers who also wish to use local services in Eastbourne as well as wanting to go to Brighton for the day with unlimited travel, may wish to purchase an Explorer ticket on a Stagecoach bus for £5.50, which then gives total unlimited travel on most services in Kent and Sussex for one day, including all Stagecoach, Arriva and Brighton & Hove.

Beware, if purchasing the same explorer ticket on a Brighton and Hove Bus, it costs £7.00, so the same ticket from Stagecoach is better value. Services 12 and 12X serve East Dean, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Rottingdean and Saltdean en-route to Brighton from Eastbourne. Eastbourne's art deco bus station closed some years ago, but almost all services now stop in a buses-only area of the main shopping precinct at Terminus Road, near the railway station. There is no formal bus office in the town centre, but information and timetables are posted at all stops in the central area. Limited bus information can be obtained from the Tourist Information office in Cornfield Road. By taxi[ edit ] "Black cabs" are rarely seen on Eastbourne's streets, but taxis licensed by the local authority are readily available at all times from ranks either side of the railway station. 01323 720720, 01323 726726.

For Pre Booked Journeys try: MS Executive Chauffeurs [3] - 0800 980 7252 See[ edit ][ add listing ] The world-famous seafront Carpet Gardens The Victorian pier, adorned with shops and traditional amusements, fast food cafes, a bar and night club and a "Camera Obscura" offering a different perspective on the town. The "Redoubt Fortress", now housing a military museum but built to defend the area during the Napoleonic wars. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Cliffs and lighthouse at the Beachy Head, Eastbourne Enjoy the views from Beachy Head - at 162m, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. See the century-old red and white lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs, and an earlier forerunner the Belle Tout lighthouse, built to warn shipping of the treacherous rocks in the vicinity. Enjoy the Miniature Steam Engine Railway ( a real great place for kids and children to hop onto a mini Steam engine Walk the South Downs Way long distance footpath, which starts on the Western edge of the town and runs through the South Downs National Park as far as Winchester to the west.

Take the 12 bus from the town centre to Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven Country Park at Exceat, about 8km west of Eastbourne. The park has cycle hire through the Friston Forest, a cosy cafe-restaurant and a visitor centre. The estuary of the River Cuckmere winds through here in a distinctive meander to the sea and can be walked either side of the A259 road. From the country park, take a 4 hours walk on top of the cliffs back to Eastbourne. Don't forget to take a picnic, though Birling Gap is a pleasant beauty spot on this part of the coast, which looks particularly nice in Spring and has an excellent pub, restaurant and hotel. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] While it does not perhaps offer the same range as other more fashionable shopping areas like Brighton or Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne has a good mix of the familiar "high street" names and unusual retailers. The Arndale Centre is the main shopping mall, located in Terminus Road which itself has a wide selection of shops.

Everything from books to bakeware, candles to coffee can be bought in the mall which has a light and airy feel thanks to its atrium layout allowing in plenty of natural light. This is a popular area at all times, but particularly with children at school holidays when activities and an enchanting tableau are usually laid on in the central area between Boots and BhS. The Enterprise Centre next to the station is another often forgotten treasure. Although it has a feel of faded glory and better days hopefully more visitors will take it back to the vibrant place it once was because it is a gem. Under one roof is everything you might need - fresh fruit and veg, a butchers and a fishmongers. Plus an amazing bookshop which has thousands of new and secondhand books plus a great ordering service for any book. There is a shop full of Wedding Dresses with service second to none (there are other wedding services there too) and a fair trade shop which is excellent. There are also opticians, complimentary therapy, a hair dressers and a beautician. A pet shop. A wonderful cafe called Jocelyn's where you can get gorgeous cakes, delicious soup and service with a smile!

For those with more eclectic tastes, "Little Chelsea" is a good area to visit. While it's hard to ignore the several funeral directors in South Street and Grove Road, reflecting the higher than average proportion of aged residents of the town, there are many shops for those who want to live life to the full, whatever their age. Particularly recommended is Camilla's second-hand bookshop with books on just about every subject imaginable, Mr & Mrs Doaks Bumper Bookshop selling childrens' books including a child-friendly teashop, a Belgian chocolate emporium and a Bang and Olufsen hi-fi and TV specialist dealer. The 2km long road known as "Seaside" (somewhat confusingly, just inland from the seafront) is like a mini-town in itself, with two bank branches, post offices, convenience stores, antique and curio shopping, furnishers, kitchen and carpet suppliers. This is the main A259 road, and leads northwards to Langney, where there is a district shopping with a Tesco Metro, Iceland, Family Bargains and several other smaller stores.

Admiral Retail Park houses a large Tesco Extra store, Pets at Home, Homebase, Argos, Vokins, Wickes, McDonalds Drive-thru and Pizza Hut. Crumbles Retail Park comprises of Asda, Next, Boots, Matalan, Harvey's, Brantano, Cineworld Cinema, Blockbusters and Frankie & Bennys, which adjoins the man-made Sovereign Harbour development, which also houses a number of small shops, bars and restaurants. Sainsbury's Retail Park in Hampden Park houses a Sainsbury's Superstore, Comet and a Currys/PC World, adjacent to which is the David Lloyd Centre and Lloyds Lanes Bowling Alley. Not barely a stone's throw away are also B&Q, Dunelm Mill, Maplin's, Halfords and Mothercare. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] As would be expected of a seaside resort, Eastbourne offers food to suit all tastes, budgets and time demands. There are plenty of fast food outlets including McDonalds and Wimpy in Terminus Road.

However, for those wanting something a little more traditional, the best fish and chip restaurants include Seaquel and Qualisea, both around the junction of Terminus Road and Seaside Road, or the Dolphin fish bar on Seaside. Fresh seafood and shellfish can be obtained from Perrywinkles just east of the pier or if you are in self-catering accommodation, why not buy and cook local catches as fresh as can be from the wet fish shops alongside the fisherman's boat stores on the seafront walking east towards Princes Park. Many different cuisines are also on offer in Terminus Road, the main street for restaurants. If you like a sea view along with good food and drink, try The Belgian Cafe at the seaward end of Terminus Road, which offers around 80 Belgian beers along with a menu reflecting the culinary traditions of Belgium. There are also cheap-costing Indian, Chinese and Thai takeaways. Development on the seafront itself is limited, but the hotel restaurants are always worth a try, as are the cafes and kiosks on the lower promenade, including some recently opened in former seafront shelters.

Eastbourne seems to be trying to follow the lead of Brighton in making more of its beachfront for food and entertainment and several cafes and restaurants now open into the late evening on the shoreline. There is also a good choice of bars and restaurants available in the Sovereign Harbour Marina development. Plenty of good eating places in Eastbourne Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Eastbourne has plenty of pubs ranging from the traditional to the trendy. Particularly recommended for those who love- or want to try- the best local "real ale" are The Marine on Seaside, which also offers an excellent restaurant and bar menu- all day on Sundays. The Marine [4] is always a friendly and comfortable place, but is at its best around Christmas time, when an extraordinary array of festive lights turns it into a fairyland to enchant young and old alike. Also recommended are The Terminus, a recently-refurbished Harveys of Lewes pub in the town centre, and The Lamb [5] , the oldest pub in Eastbourne in the Old Town area. Most nightclubs are situated in Langney, Pevensey and Terminus Roads though the pier with the Atlantis nightspot is something of a honeypot for language students and other smart young things.

If you're looking for something refreshing but not intoxicating, there are plenty of stops for a cuppa and the usual coffee chains. The Pavilion Tea Rooms, east of the pier, are recommended for afternoon tea when a piano player often adds to the polite, typically English ambience of the place. try Dolce Vita Ristorante Tel. 01323 747996 117-119 Seaside Rd, Eastbourne , BN21 3P Dolce Vita Ristorante, 117-119 SEASIDE ROAD EASTBOURNE BN21 3PH, ☎ 01323747996, [6] . ITALIAN RISTORANTE PIZZERIA edit Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Most of the town's 4 and 5 star hotels are, unsurprisingly, located on the seafront and generally to the more rural-looking and higher Western end of the seafront.

These include The Hydro, once featured in a TV Agatha Christie adaptation, and The Grand Hotel [7] - which is a classical five star hotel, yet run in a friendly atmosphere and the da Vinci Hotel & Art Gallery [8] which claims to be the UK's first art hotel. For those on more modest budgets, there are plenty of family-run, welcoming small hotels such as The Atlanta Guest House [9] located on the seafront close to the pier, the Devonshire Park Hotel [10] and the New Wilmington Hotel [11] near the main theatres, or "bed and breakfast" establishments such as The Sea Breeze Guest House [12] , plus self-catering flatlets and campsites on the edge of town. The town's Youth Hostel is in a very picturesque spot on top of the Downs going out of town westwards, near one of the golf links. >

Question: Which is the nearest British town to Beachy Head?
Answer: EASTBOURNE